Visual C++ CONFIG.WRI Part 1: Notes on Files, Tools, & Devices

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Visual C++ for Windows, versions 1.5

SUMMARY

The text below presents information from Part 1 of the CONFIG.WRI file distributed with Microsoft Visual C++ version 1.5. Setup installs CONFIG.WRI in the MSVC\HELP directory.

MORE INFORMATION

Part 1: Notes on Files, Tools, and Devices

Command-Line Utilities and MSVCVARS.BAT

You must run MSVCVARS.BAT before you can compile and link from the command- line or run any of the other command-line utilities that ship with Visual C++. This batch file sets your PATH, INCLUDE, and LIB environment variables to work with Visual C++. Setup installs MSVCVARS.BAT in the Visual C++ BIN directory. To avoid having to run MSVCVARS.BAT repeatedly, add its contents to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

FILES= Setting in CONFIG.SYS

The number of files specified in the CONFIG.SYS file should be at least 50. Check that your CONFIG.SYS file contains the following line:

   FILES=50

Using a Permanent Swap File for Increased Performance

Using a permanent swap file instead of a temporary swap file can significantly decrease the time required to compile files. A permanent swap file of at least 4 megabytes is recommended on a system with 4 megabytes of RAM. See your Microsoft Windows User's Guide for more information on creating a permanent swap file.

Using HPPCL5A Printer Driver

If you are using the HPPCL5A.DRV printer driver under the Debug version of the Windows kernel, you may encounter large numbers of RIPs. A newer version of this driver, HPPCL5MS.DRV, solves this problem. This driver is available for downloading from the Microsoft Download Service. To get this driver from the Microsoft Download Service, use your modem to dial (206) 936-6735. Once connected, read the WDL.TXT file which has a list of all the drivers available and where to get them.

Using an UltraStor SCSI adapter

The USPI14.SYS device driver supplied with the UltraStor SCSI adapter should be loaded on systems that use this adapter. Unpredictable behavior can result if this device driver is not loaded.

Setting Up Sample Programs That Require PENWIN.DLL

The following sample programs included in Visual C++ use Microsoft Windows extensions for Pen Computing:

   EXPENSE        GWAPI
   HFORM          PENPAD
   SNOOP          SREC
   HELPHOOK       PENAPP

   Microsoft Visual C++ 1.0, Professional Edition
   Microsoft C/C++ 7.0
   Microsoft Windows 3.1 SDK

HelpFiles Path

Visual Workbench, App Studio, AppWizard, and ClassWizard all provide context-sensitive help. They search for their respective help files according to the paths specified in the Help Files Path specified in the Directories dialog on the Options menu. Visual Workbench and the Wizards use the MSVC.HLP file; App Studio uses APSTUDIO.HLP.

This path specification is maintained as the HelpFile string in the MSVC.INI file. The HelpFile string may specify multiple paths, each separated by semi-colons. For example:

    C:\MSVC\HELP;E:\MSVC\HELP

If you request context-sensitive help in the Visual Workbench, App Studio, AppWizard, or ClassWizard, and you receive a message stating the help file cannot be found, do one of the following:

1. Try again after inserting the Visual C++ disc in your CD-ROM drive.

2. Use Setup to install help files on your hard disk.